|effect=Conjures a Patronus or spirit guardian<ref name="Spirit Guardian">[http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/faq_view.cfm?id=99 "(theOrderofthe Phoenix members are) the only wizardswhoknowhowtousetheir''spiritguardians'' in this way" - JK's official site (text only), accessed 30/7/2011]</ref>.

{{Quote|A Patronus is a kind of positive force, and for the wizard who can conjure one, it works something like a shield, with the Dementor feeding on it, rather than him. In order for it to work, you need to think of a memory. Not just any memory, a very ''happy'' memory, a very ''powerful'' memory… Allow it to fill you up... lose yourself in it... then speak the incantation "Expecto Patronum".|[[Remus Lupin]] teaching [[Harry Potter]] the Patronus Charm|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)}}

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The'''PatronusCharm'''isa [[charm]]that evokes a partially-tangible, positive energy force known as a '''Patronus'''(pl.Patronuses<ref>http://www.accio-quote.org/themes/therules.htm</ref>).Patronusesarealsocalled ''spirit guardians''<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2005/0705-itv-coad.htm"(thePatrons Charm)createsthe Patronus, itcreatesakindofspiritguardianin a way.Andthat'spartlybecauseofwhatit does. It's the protector,andyoucould protect yourself and other people that you cared about with aPatronus"- JK on the PatronusCharm,ITVinterview]</ref><refname="SpiritGuardian"/>thoughthismayonlyrefertocorporealPatronuses.Itisprimarilydesignedfordefenceagainstotherwise unbeatable Dark creatures like [[Dementor]]sand [[Lethifold]]s,thoughthereareotherusessuchasmessaging.

The '''Patronus Charm''' (''Expecto Patronum'') is the most famous and one of the most powerful defensive charms known to [[wizardkind]].<ref name="PM">''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en/book3/chapter21/moment3/patronus-charm New From J. K. Rowling - Patronus Charm]</ref> It's an immensely complicated, very difficult [[spell]] that evokes a partially-tangible positive energy force known as a '''Patronus''' (pl. '''Patronuses'''<ref name="AQ">[http://www.accio-quote.org/themes/therules.htm "The Rules" at AccioQuote!]</ref>) or '''spirit guardian'''.<ref name="JKR" /> It is the primary protection against [[Dementor|Dementors]] and [[Lethifold|Lethifolds]], to which there is no other protection.

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===Casting===

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{{Quote|Make it a powerful memory, the happiest you can remember. Allow it to fill you up… Just remember, your Patronus can only protect you as long as you stay focused… Think of the happiest thing you can.|[[Harry Potter]] teaching the Patronus Charm to [[Dumbledore's Army]]|Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)}}

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It is apparent from old woodcuts and scrolls that the Patronus Charm has been used since ancient times.<ref name="WBoS">''[[Wonderbook: Book of Spells]]''</ref>

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==History==

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[[File:Harry_,_Sirius_and_Dementors.jpg|thumb|left|[[Harry Potter|Harry]] casting his Patronus against hundreds of Dementors|205x205px]]

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It is evident from old woodcuts and scrolls that the Patronus Charm has been used since ancient times.<ref name="WB">''[[Wonderbook: Book of Spells]]''</ref> Therefore, it is unknown who created it, or when it was first invented.<ref name="WB" /> The charm also has a long association with those fighting for lofty or noble causes (those able to produce corporeal Patronuses were often elected to high office within the [[Wizengamot]] and [[Ministry of Magic]]).<ref name="PM">''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en/book3/chapter21/moment3/patronus-charm New From J. K. Rowling - Patronus Charm]</ref>

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Tosuccessfullycastthespellonemustmusterahappymemory(thehappierthememory,themorepowerfulandtangiblethePatronuswillbe)andincant"''ExpectoPatronum''".Itisunknownifthereareanyotherelementsrequiredincasting,suchasphysicalgestures(asidefromdrawingandpointingthewandforwardprior to orduringincantation).

Thehappymemoryonerequireswhencasting does not necessarily have to be a specific moment in your past. Arguably more important than content, is how the memoryor thought makes you feel now. Harry Potter, for instance, is often seen to produce his more powerful patronuses when he his merely thinking of the peoplehe loves.HarryalsooftenthinksofhisfriendsRonaldWeasleyandHermione Granger and producessuccessfulPatronuses.OnetimeHarry also used the thoughtofDoloresUmbridge being sackedto produce apatronus for hisDefenceAgainsttheDark Arts O.W.L. Harry uses his love and happiness, evoked from thinking of his friends and family, to produce a patronus, rather than having to remember emotions felt in thepast.

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In1995,Harrycastthecharmagainst a [[Boggart|boggart]] in the thirdtask of the TriwizardTournament. Thefollowingsummerhecameunderattackbytwodementors and managedtodrivethemawaywith the charm,leadingtohim being putontrial for underagemagicinanattempt to discredithim.

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===Difficulty===

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[[File:B5C27M1.jpg|thumb|251x251px|Harry Potter teaching the members of the [[D.A.]] the charm]]

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[[File:Patronusministry.jpg|thumb|266px|Harry casting his Patronus during the trio's [[Infiltration of the Ministry of Magic|escape from the Ministry]]]]The Patronus Charm is widely regarded as advanced magic (so much so that its not even taught in [[Charms (class)|Charms]] on the Hogwarts curriculum). It is a very complex [[charm]] and many qualified [[wizards|wizards and witches]] have trouble with it. In fact, Harry Potter is one of the youngest known wizards able to cast a Patronus; he was taught how to do so in 1993 at the age of thirteen by [[Remus Lupin]]<ref name="POA">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref>. In a [[Dumbledore's Army]] lesson, Harry taught the members how to use the charm. Some were even successful in casting a corporeal form, though Harry said this might be because there was no [[Dementor]] to make them frightened<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref>. However, some members were later shown to be able to cast corporeal Patronuses in the presence of Dementors<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>.

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[[AmeliaBones]]andpotential members of the [[D.A.]] were all very impressed when [[Harry Potter]] revealed that he could cast not only a Patronus Charm but a corporeal one to boot, which is notably more difficult than casting an incorporeal one. Given that the success of the charm isdirectlyreliantonthe caster retaining a particular mental state the Charm is more difficult to cast in emotionally trying circumstances. For instance, [[Harry Potter]], [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] all had difficulty casting their Patronuses when under the negative influence of [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]], one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux]]es, and after witnessing the death of [[Fred Weasley]] in [[Battle of Hogwarts|battle]]<ref name="DH" />. This feature of the Charm is particularly unfortunate since the Charm's primary use is to defend against [[Dementor]]s, Dark creatures specifically equipped to mentally unhinge people (and hence is partly why it is regarded as such advanced, difficult magic).

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Harryalsotaught the members of the D.A. the charm andsomewereevensuccessful in casting it.

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Self-confidencemayalsoplayanimportantroleincastingthespell.In1994Harryisable to cast the spell successfully, driving off a large number of Dementors(whichaccordingtoSeverusSnape is only achievable by a very powerful wizard) thus saving Sirius and ayoungerversion of himself,seeminglywithoutrecalling a happymemory,when he realizes that he has already done it. Although Harry couldhavehada"happymemory"upon realizing that he had saved all three of their lives.

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ThecharmwasusedfrequentlytowardoffdementorssuchaswhentheTrioescapedfrom the Ministry of MagicafterobtainingtheHorcruxlocket and duringtheBattle of Hogwarts.SeverusSnapealso conjured a Patronustoguide Harry tothehidingplaceofthe[[Sword of Gryffindor]].

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The [[Order of the Phoenix]] would send out messages with their Patronuses such as [[Kingsley Shacklebolt]] and [[Arthur Weasley]] who in 1997 delivered warnings.

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==Casting==

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{{Dialogue a-b|Harry|And how do you conjure it?|Remus|With an incantation, which will work only if you are concentrating, with all your might, on a single, very happy memory.|[[Harry Potter]] and Remus Lupin discussing how to conjure a Patronus|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}

The vast majority of witches and wizards are unable to produce any form of Patronus, and to create even an intangible one is generally considered a mark of superior magical ability.<ref name="PM">''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en/book3/chapter21/moment3/patronus-charm New From J. K. Rowling - Patronus Charm]</ref>

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To successfully cast the spell, one must muster the happiest memory they can think of (the happier the memory, the better the charm will work)<ref name="PA12" /> and begin drawing circles with their [[wand]] so as to [[Powering-up spells|increase the power]] of their spell.<ref name="WB" /> They must then say the [[incantation]], ''Expecto Patronum''; the Patronus will come from the tip of the [[wand]] and can be directed towards a target by pointing one's wand at said target.<ref name="OPf">{{OOTPF}}</ref> It is possible to disguise the form one's Patronus takes, which was done both by [[Severus Snape]] to hide his [[love]] for [[Lily Evans]], and by [[Remus Lupin]], who felt it would give away his [[Werewolf|condition.]]<ref name="PM">''[[Pottermore]]'' - [http://www.pottermore.com/en-us/book3/chapter21/moment3/patronus-charm New From J. K. Rowling - Patronus Charm]</ref>

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==Difficulty==

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{{Quote|That's very, ''very'' advanced magic ''[...]'' |[[Hermione Granger]] on the difficulty and complexity of the [[charm]]|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban}}

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The Patronus Charm is widely regarded as advanced magic, far beyond [[Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test|N.E.W.T.]]-level, in [[1994]] Remus Lupin stated that the charm was, in fact "''ridiculously advanced''".<ref name="PA12" /> It is very complex and many qualified [[wizards|wizards and witches]] have trouble with it.<ref name="PM" /> In fact, [[Harry Potter]] is one of the youngest known wizards able to cast a Patronus; he was taught how to do so in early 1994 at the age of thirteen by [[Remus Lupin|Remus Lupin.]]<ref name="POA">''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''</ref> In a [[Dumbledore's Army]] lesson, Harry taught the members how to use the charm. Some were even successful in casting a corporeal form, though Harry said this might be because there was no [[Dementor]] to make them frightened.<ref name="OTP">''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]''</ref> However, three members were later able to cast corporeal Patronuses in the presence of Dementors.<ref name="DH">''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]''</ref>

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[[Amelia Bones]] and potential members of the [[D.A.]] were all very impressed when Harry Potter revealed that he could cast not only a Patronus Charm but a corporeal one to boot, which is notably more difficult than casting an incorporeal one. Given that the success of the charm is directly reliant on the caster retaining a particular mental state the Charm is more difficult to cast in emotionally trying circumstances. For instance, Harry Potter, [[Ronald Weasley|Ron Weasley]], and Hermione Granger all had difficulty casting their Patronuses when under the negative influence of [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]], one of [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Horcrux|Horcruxes]], and after witnessing the death of [[Fred Weasley]] in final [[Battle of Hogwarts|battle.]]<ref name="DH" /> This feature of the Charm is particularly unfortunate since the Charm's primary use is to defend against Dementors, Dark creatures specifically equipped to mentally unhinge people (and hence is partly why it is regarded as such advanced, difficult magic).

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Self-confidence may also play an important role in casting the spell. In 1994 Harry is able to cast the spell successfully, driving off a large number of Dementors (which according to [[Severus Snape]] is only achievable by a very powerful wizard) thus saving Sirius and a younger version of himself, seemingly without recalling a happy memory, when he realises that he has already done it. Although Harry could have had a 'happy memory' upon realising that he had saved all three of their lives.

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===Worthiness===

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[[File:Raczidian'sDemise.png|thumb|249x249px|[[Raczidian]]'s demise while trying to cast a Patronus.]]

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It is a general belief held by the wizarding world that only those who are pure of heart are able to cast Patronuses; this, however, is a falsehood, as several characters with negative personality traits e.g. violent tempered, haughty etc are able to cast a fully-fledged Patronus.<ref name="PM" /> Although generally Dark witches and wizards will not try to produce a Patronus, not having any need for one, most Dark wizards will be devoured by [[maggot|maggots]] coming from their [[wand]] and consuming the caster.<ref name="WB" />

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For this reason, [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters]] were not able to cast a Patronus Charm (not that it was necessary, as they already had the dark creatures under their control via their affinity to darkness, and would have no use for Patronuses).<ref>[http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0730-bloomsbury-chat.html J.K. Rowling and the Live Chat, Bloomsbury.com, July 30, 2007 (2.00-3.00pm BST)] at [http://www.accio-quote.org/index.html Accio Quote!]</ref> However, some witches and wizards of questionable morals, such as [[Dolores Umbridge]], are able to produce corporeal Patronuses, Umbridge doing so despite the fact that she was considered an evil person; her wearing of [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket]], which was one of Voldemort's [[Horcruxes]], was what enhanced her strength due to her evil affinity.<ref name="PM" /> She was able to produce a corporeal Patronus due to the enhanced strength. Conversely, Draco Malfoy was unable to cast one despite his waning evil. Severus Snape is the only Death Eater capable of casting the charm, as his love for [[Lily Evans]] was his one redeeming point.

==The Patronus==

==The Patronus==

A successfully conjured Patronus can take two forms: '''non-corporeal''' or '''corporeal''', and both types vary greatly in their appearances and strength.

A successfully conjured Patronus can take two forms: '''non-corporeal''' or '''corporeal''', and both types vary greatly in their appearances and strength.

A non-corporeal Patronus is one which does not resemble any living creature and has few distinguishing features (if any). Non-corporeal Patronuses resemble a burst of vapour or smoke without any clearly defined form shooting from the tip of the wand. While they may be partially effective at halting dementors (but not repelling them), non-corporeal Patronuses are not "fully-fledged" Patronuses, and are regarded as a more primitive or weaker version of the true Charm.

AnincorporealPatronus<refname="Pottermore">Pottermoredescribes"non-corporeal"Patronusesas"incorporeal"</ref>isonewhichdoesnotresembleanylivingcreatureandhasfewdistinguishingfeatures (if any). Incorporeal Patronuses resemble a burstofvapourorsmokewithoutanyclearlydefinedformshootingfromthetipofthe wand. Whiletheymaybepartially effective at halting dementors (but not repelling them), incorporeal Patronuses are not "fully-fledged" Patronuses,andareregardedas a more primitive or weaker version of the trueCharm.

===Corporeal===

===Corporeal===

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Acorporeal Patronus is one that is fully-formed,taking the shapeof bright-white,translucentanimal. Thespecificanimalformsthat corporeal Patronuses take vary from person toperson and reflecteachindividual'spersonality.

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{{Dialoguea-b|Harry|What does a Patronus look like?|Lupin|Each one is uniqueto the wizardwhoconjuresit.|[[HarryPotter]]and[[RemusLupin]]discussing the corporeal forms|HarryPotter and thePrisonerofAzkaban}}

Patronusforms, however, are subject to change if the caster goes through an emotional upheaval of some sort. For example, [[Nymphadora Tonks]]'s Patronus changedfrom its previous form to that ofa four-leggedcreaturewhich others guessed was a werewolf because then it would reflect her[[love]] of [[Remus Lupin]], himself a werewolf<ref name="OTP"/>.Anotherexampleis[[SeverusSnape]], whose Patronus was that of a doe, the same as [[Lily Evans]], though this may have been the case all along rather than a change from its original form, as Snape was in love with Lily for most of his life. If a wizard is an Animagus and can summon a corporeal Patronus, the two may take thesameform,as was the case for [[MinervaMcGonagall]] and [[JamesPotterI|James Potter]]<ref name="DH"/>.

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Acorporeal Patronus isone that isfully-formed,takingtheshape of bright-white, translucentanimal. Thespecificanimalforms that corporeal Patronuses take varyfrompersontoperson and reflecteachindividual'spersonality.

Patronusforms,however, are subject to change if the castergoes through an emotionalupheavalofsomesort, includingfallingin eternal, unchanging love.<ref>[https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/601377849744990208.@tigs25 Your Patronus only changes if it's eternal love, unchanging - part of you forever.] by [https://twitter.com/jk_rowling J.K. Rowling on Twitter]</ref> For example, [[Nymphadora Tonks]]'s Patronus changedfromitspreviousformtothatofafour-leggedcreaturewhichothersguessed was a werewolf because then it would reflect her [[love]] of [[Remus Lupin]], himself awerewolf.<ref name="OTP" /> Another example is [[SeverusSnape]], whose Patronus was that of a doe, the same as [[LilyEvans]], though this may have been the case all along rather than a change from its original form, as Snape was in love with Lily for most of his life. Based on the fact that Patronuses are conjured by recalling happy memories, it stands to reason that a Patronus might change its form after one falls in love and the memories used to conjure the Patronus largely revolve around the person the caster is in love with. In addition, it seems that some couples have "complementary" Patronuses (male and female forms of the same animal), such as Lily and James Potter. It is, however, unknown if this is a coincidenceor not. If a wizard is an Animagus and can summon a corporeal Patronus, the two may take the same form, as was the case for [[Minerva McGonagall]] and [[James Potter I|James Potter.]]<ref name="DH" />

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Thecorporealpatronus is alsobetteratrepellingDementorsthan the incorporeal form.

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MostPatronusestake the form of an ordinary animal. Magical creatures, such as [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s [[phoenix]] Patronus, are uncommon. It is extremelyrareforPatronusestotake the form of extinct animals.<ref name="WB" /> [[Hedley Fleetwood]]'s woolly mammoth Patronus is a notable exception.<ref name="WB" /> [[Andros the Invincible]] was the only wizard capable of casting a Patronus the size of a [[Giants|giant]].

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The corporeal Patronus is also better at repelling Dementors than the non-corporeal form.

===Uses===

===Uses===

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There are two known uses for the Patronus charm. The first and main use of the Patronus is to drive off certain [[Dark Arts|Dark]] creatures such as[[Dementor]]s and [[Lethifold]]s, and is the only known charm that will work against them. As Dementors feed on happy memories to render humans to drown in sorrow and sadness, the Patronus acts as a shield of sorts, of which the Dementor would try to feed off of instead - the Patronus is comprised exclusively of positive feelings and cannot comprehend negative emotion, so the Dementor's influence cannot harm it.

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There are two known uses for the Patronus Charm. The first and main use of the Patronus is to drive off certain [[Dark Arts|Dark creatures]] such as[[Dementor| Dementors]] and [[Lethifold|Lethifolds]], and is the only known charm that will work against them. As Dementors feed on happy memories to render humans to drown in sorrow and sadness, the Patronus acts as a shield of sorts, of which the Dementor would try to feed off of instead — the Patronus is comprised exclusively of positive feelings and cannot comprehend negative emotion, so the Dementor's influence cannot harm it.

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[[File:HarryPotterDeath_feature.jpg|thumb|Harry casting a Patronus during the Hunt for Horcruxes ]]

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The other use was devised by [[Albus Dumbledore]], who invented a way of using the Patronus (corporeal and non) as a means of communication. They can deliver messages, speaking with the voice of the caster. This source of communication is believed to be exclusive to the members of the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. Using the Patronus for communication offers great advantages in security, as Patronuses identify the caster and are [[Dark Arts|Dark]]-proof.<ref name="OTP"/> A good example of this was when [[Minerva McGonagall]] used her feline Patronus to call for help to the other heads of houses in 1998 when she found out [[Harry Potter]] had returned to Hogwarts in search of [[Rowena Ravenclaw]]'s [[Diadem]]. Multiple Patronuses can be cast for communication, as McGonagall was able to create three. Another is when [[Severus Snape]] used his Patronus to lead [[Harry Potter]] to a pool in the [[Forest of Dean]] in 1997, where he had laid [[Godric Gryffindor's Sword]] for Harry to retrieve.

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==Etymology==

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[[File:HarryPotterDeath_feature.jpg|thumb|249x249px|Harry casting a Patronus during the Hunt for Horcruxes.|left]]

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''Patronus'' means "protector", "guardian", or simply "patron" in Latin, specifically reflecting the entire role that the Patronus Charm plays. In archaic Latin, it meant "father", which is very interesting, considering that [[Harry Potter]]'s Patronus is the same as his father's Patronus and [[Animagus]] form, a stag. The Latin word ''exspecto'' or ''expecto'' means "I look out for" or "I wait for", thus the charm's incantation roughly translates into "I await a protector."

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==KnownPractitioners==

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Theother use was devised by [[Albus Dumbledore]], who invented a way of using the Patronus (corporeal and non) as a means of communication. They can deliver messages, speaking with the voice of the caster. This source of communication is believed to be exclusive to the members of the [[Order of the Phoenix]]. Using the Patronus for communication offers great advantages in security, as Patronuses identify the caster and are [[Dark Arts]]-proof.<ref name="OTP" /> A good example of this was when [[Minerva McGonagall]] used her feline Patronus to call for help to the other heads of houses in 1998 when she found out [[Harry Potter]] had returned to Hogwarts in search of [[Rowena Ravenclaw]]'s [[Diadem]]. Multiple Patronuses can be cast for communication, as McGonagall was able to create three. Another is when [[Severus Snape]] used his Patronus to lead Harry Potter to a pool in the [[Forest of Dean]] in 1997, where he had laid [[Godric Gryffindor's Sword]] for Harry to retrieve.

{{Quote|APatronus is a kind of positive force, and for the wizard who can conjure one, it works something like a shield, with the Dementor feeding on it, rather than him. In order for it to work, you need to think of a memory. Not just any memory, a very ''happy'' memory, a very ''powerful'' memory… Allow it to fill you up... lose yourself in it... then speak the incantation " ''Expecto Patronum'' |[[Remus Lupin]]'s explanation of a Patronus|Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)}}

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|-bgcolor="#cccccc"

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{| class="wikitable" border="1"

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!width="20%"align="center"|Witch/wizard

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|-bgcolor="#cccccc"

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!width="20%" align="center"|Patronalform

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! align="center" width="20%" |Witch/wizard

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!width="60%" align="center"|Notes

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! align="center" width="20%"|Patronal form

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! align="center" width="60%" |Notes

|-

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|[[Andros the Invincible]]

|[[Andros the Invincible]]

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|Something allegedly the size of a [[giant]] (possibly an actual giant)

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|Something allegedly the size of a [[giant]] (possibly an actual giant)[[File:Andros the Invencible.jpg|left|thumb|181x181px]]

|Stated on his [[Chocolate Frog Cards|Chocolate Frog Card]] as the only wizard to make a Patronus that size.

|Stated on his [[Chocolate Frog Cards|Chocolate Frog Card]] as the only wizard to make a Patronus that size.

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|-

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|[[Illyius]]

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|[[Mouse]]

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[[File:IllyiusMousePatronus.png|left|thumb|125x125px]]

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|Initially, Illyius's fellow villagers mocked him as they had never seen such a small and weak-looking Patronus, which corresponded to Illyius's timidity and tongue-tiedness. However, when dark wizard [[Raczidian]] invaded the village with his army of [[Dementor]]s, Illyius's mouse Patronus proved to be stronger than the others, making him a hero.

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|-

|[[Flavius Belby]]

|[[Flavius Belby]]

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|"Something with horns"

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|Something with horns

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|In ''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]'', hestated he cast off a [[Lethifold]] by performing the Patronus Charm. It says the Lethifold was thrown into the air on the horns of his Patronus.

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|In ''[[Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them]]'', it'srecorded that he cast off a [[Lethifold]] by performing the Patronus Charm. It says the Lethifold was thrown into the air on the horns of his Patronus.

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|[[Cho Chang]]

|[[Cho Chang]]

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|{{wplink|Swan}}

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|Swan[[File:Patronus Swan2.JPG|left|thumb|131x131px]]

|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in [[1996]].

|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in [[1996]].

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|[[Aberforth Dumbledore]]

|[[Aberforth Dumbledore]]

|[[Goat]]

|[[Goat]]

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[[File:Goat Patronus.jpg|left|thumb|125x125px]]

|Summoned outside the [[Hog's Head]] in an attempt to convince the [[Death Eaters]] who had seen Harry's Patronus that they really saw a goat.

|Summoned outside the [[Hog's Head]] in an attempt to convince the [[Death Eaters]] who had seen Harry's Patronus that they really saw a goat.

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|[[Albus Dumbledore]]

|[[Albus Dumbledore]]

|[[Phoenix]]

|[[Phoenix]]

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[[File:Dumbledores phoenix patronus.jpg|left|thumb|131x131px]]

|The bird whose loyalty he earned, [[Fawkes]], was a phoenix. Also he used it in [[1995]] as a message to Hagrid when Krum was stunned. It was described as "a ghostly bird that flew off in the direction of Hagrid's house".

|The bird whose loyalty he earned, [[Fawkes]], was a phoenix. Also he used it in [[1995]] as a message to Hagrid when Krum was stunned. It was described as "a ghostly bird that flew off in the direction of Hagrid's house".

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|[[Seamus Finnigan]]

|[[Seamus Finnigan]]

|[[Fox]]

|[[Fox]]

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[[File:Patronus Fox2.JPG|left|thumb|125x125px]]

|He could not yet produce a fully formed (corporeal) Patronus in [[Dumbledore's Army]], though in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]], he managed a Patronus in the shape of a fox.

|He could not yet produce a fully formed (corporeal) Patronus in [[Dumbledore's Army]], though in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]], he managed a Patronus in the shape of a fox.

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|[[Hedley Fleetwood]]

|[[Hedley Fleetwood]]

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|[[Woolly mammoth]]<ref name="WBoS" />

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|[[Woolly mammoth]]<ref name="WB" />

|An unusual form due to the extreme rarity of extinct Patronuses.

|An unusual form due to the extreme rarity of extinct Patronuses.

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|[[Hermione Granger]]

|[[Hermione Granger]]

|[[Otter]]

|[[Otter]]

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|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore'sArmy]]meeting in [[1996]]. It is apparently the only spell Hermione has trouble with, as said in [[1998]] while escaping from the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]].

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[[File:Mypatronusotter.jpg|left|thumb|125x125px]]

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|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in [[1996]]. It is apparently the only spell Hermione has trouble with, as said in [[1997]] while escaping from the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]].

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|-

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|[[Harry Potter]]

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|[[Harry Potter]]

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|[[Wikipedia:Deer|Stag]]

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| rowspan="2" |[[Deer|Stag]]

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[[File:Stagpatronus1.jpg|thumb|left|125px]]

|Harry's Patronus is in the shape of his father's [[Animagus]] form and Patronus. He learned how to conjure a Patronus at an exceptionally young age.

|Harry's Patronus is in the shape of his father's [[Animagus]] form and Patronus. He learned how to conjure a Patronus at an exceptionally young age.

|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in [[1996]] and in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]].

|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in [[1996]] and in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]].

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|[[Minerva McGonagall]]

|[[Minerva McGonagall]]

|[[Cat]]

|[[Cat]]

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[[File:Patronus Cat2.jpg|left|thumb|138x138px]]

|Just before the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], she sent her Patronus out to alert the other [[Head of House|Heads of House]] that [[Hogwarts Castle]] would soon be under attack by [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters|followers]].

|Just before the [[Battle of Hogwarts]], she sent her Patronus out to alert the other [[Head of House|Heads of House]] that [[Hogwarts Castle]] would soon be under attack by [[Tom Riddle|Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eaters|followers]].

|-

|-

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|[[Lily Evans|Lily Potter]]

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|[[Lily Evans|Lily Potter]]

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|[[Wikipedia:Deer|Doe]]

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| rowspan="2" |[[Deer|Doe]]

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[[File:Doe Patronus.jpg|left|thumb|149x149px]]

|Mentioned in conjunction with Snape's Patronus. It was also the female form of her husband's Patronus.

|Mentioned in conjunction with Snape's Patronus. It was also the female form of her husband's Patronus.

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|-

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|[[Severus Snape]]

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| Acted as Harry's guide through the woods to where [[Godric Gryffindor's Sword]] was hidden. Snape's Patronus mirrored Lily's due to his unspoken love for her that began when they were small children.

|Seen in [[1997]] when he warned the [[Order of the Phoenix|Order]] during [[William Weasley|Bill]] and [[Fleur Delacour|Fleur]]'s [[Wedding of William Weasley and Fleur Delacour|wedding]] of the downfall of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] and [[Rufus Scrimgeour]]'s death.

|Seen in [[1997]] when he warned the [[Order of the Phoenix|Order]] during [[William Weasley|Bill]] and [[Fleur Delacour|Fleur]]'s [[Wedding of William Weasley and Fleur Delacour|wedding]] of the downfall of the [[British Ministry of Magic|Ministry of Magic]] and [[Rufus Scrimgeour]]'s death.

|ActedasHarry'sguidethroughthewoods to where [[GodricGryffindor'sSword]] was hidden. Snape's Patronus mirroredLily'sduetohisunspokenloveforherthat began when theyweresmallchildren.

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|Theformof Tonks' Patronuschangedin[[1996]]. It became a [[wolf]] due to her love for [[RemusLupin]], though Harry Potter and Hermione Granger initially believed it was a black dog, triggered by the death of her second cousin [[SiriusBlack]] (whose [[Animagus]] form was a black dog). Changes of Patronus arerareandusuallycausedbydevastatinglifetraumas.Occasionally when a witch and a wizard are married, their Patronuses will match each other (most likely because the witch/wizard's happy thought will be thatoftheirspouse).

|TheformofTonks'Patronuschangedin[[1996]].Itbecamea[[werewolf]]due to her love for [[Remus Lupin]], though Harry Potter and Hermione Granger initially believed it wasablackdog,triggeredbythe death of her second cousin [[Sirius Black]] (whose [[Animagus]] form was a black dog). ChangesofPatronusare rare and usually caused by devastating life traumas. Occasionally when a witch and a wizard are married, their Patronuses will match each other (most likely because the witch/wizard's happy thought will be that of their spouse).

|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in [[1996]] and in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]].

|Seen in the last [[Dumbledore's Army]] meeting in [[1996]] and in the [[Battle of Hogwarts]] in [[1998]].

|-

|-

|[[Dolores Umbridge]]

|[[Dolores Umbridge]]

|[[Cat]]

|[[Cat]]

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[[File:Persion patronus cat.jpg|left|thumb|125x125px]]

|While interrogating [[Muggle-born]]s at a trial, she had cast a Patronus to ward the Dementors from the prosecutors. Her favourite animal, as shown by the many plates with cats on them in her office. She was able to cast the Patronus due to her affinity with the [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|locket]] [[Horcrux]]'s evil influence.

|While interrogating [[Muggle-born]]s at a trial, she had cast a Patronus to ward the Dementors from the prosecutors. Her favourite animal, as shown by the many plates with cats on them in her office. She was able to cast the Patronus due to her affinity with the [[Salazar Slytherin's Locket|locket]] [[Horcrux]]'s evil influence.

File:Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Patronus classes|Introducing the Charm to the D.A.

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</gallery>{{VideoFooter}}

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==Etymology==

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''Patronus'' means "protector", "guardian", or simply "patron" in Latin, specifically reflecting the entire role that the Patronus Charm plays. In archaic Latin, it meant "father", which is very interesting, considering that [[Harry Potter]]'s Patronus is the same as his father's Patronus and [[Animagus]] form, a stag. The Latin word ''exspecto'' or ''expecto'' means "I look out for" or "I wait for", thus the charm's incantation roughly translates into "I await a protector."

==Behind the scenes==

==Behind the scenes==

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[[File:Patronusingames.jpg|thumb|180px|The spell as seen in the [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)|third video game]].]]

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{{Quote| ''[...]'' the Patronus often mutates to take the image of the love of one's life (because they so often become the 'happy thought' that generates a Patronus). |[[J.K. Rowling]]|Bloomsbury Live Chat}}[[File:Patronusingames.jpg|thumb|left|205px|The spell as seen in the [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)|third video game]].]]

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*Both the Patronuses of [[James Potter I|James Potter]] and [[Minerva McGonagall]] match their respective [[Animagus|Animagi]] form. These are the only characters whose Patronus and Animagus forms are known. It is uncertain whether all Patronuses will match the form of the Animagus, but so far, an instance of differing forms has not been revealed.

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*Inthefirstchapterof''[[HarryPotterandtheDeathly Hallows]]'', a white peacock appears in the gardens of Malfoy Manor. Some fans believed this bird to be [[Lucius Malfoy]]'sPatronus. However, [[J. K. Rowling]] stated that no [[Death Eaters|Death Eater]] except Severus Snape could conjure a Patronus.<ref name="bloomsbury">[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript The Leaky Cauldron] - J.K. Rowling July 30, 2007 Bloomsbury.com chat</ref> This means that the peacock was in fact a living creature. It is stated in ''[[Harry Potter and the DeathlyHallows]]'' that the creature was in fact an albino peacock.

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*TwoPatronusesplannedforthefilmsbutultimatelycutinclude a [[Thestral]] and a chimpanzee<ref>''[[Harry Potter LimitedEdition]]''</ref>

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*Inthe [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)|videogame adaptation]] of''[[HarryPotterandthePrisonerof Azkaban]]'',themoremoderateExpectoPatronumisaball of light (before cast, a white ring goes up Harry's arm and ifitreachestopof the wand, Harry has to try the spell again) and is usedonlytoattackDementors.At the climax of the game, astag(Harry'sPatronus)jumps out of thewandtodriveaway all the Dementors nearby attacking Harry andSirius.

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*ThePatronuses of [[James Potter I|JamesPotter]] and [[MinervaMcGonagall]]matchtheirrespective[[Animagus|Animagi]] form.ThesearetheonlycharacterswhosePatronus and Animagusformsareknown.It is uncertainwhetherallPatronuseswillmatch the form of the Animagus, butsofar,aninstance of differingformshasnotbeenrevealed.

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*In the saidvideogame, the [[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part1(videogame)|firstvideogameadaption]] of ''[[HarryPotterandtheDeathlyHallows]]'', ''[[LEGOHarryPotter: Years 1-4]]/[[LEGOHarryPotter:Years5-7|5-7]]''thePatronusCharmappearstopushtheDementorsawaywith the firstshotand a secondshotkillsthem.

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*In the firstchapterof''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'',awhitepeacockappearsinthegardens of MalfoyManor.Somefansbelievedthis bird to be [[Lucius Malfoy]]'s Patronus. However, [[J.K.Rowling]] stated that no [[DeathEaters|DeathEater]]exceptSeverus Snape could (or had a need to) conjure a Patronus, because Death Eaters fight alongside that which Patronuses fight against.<ref name="bloomsbury">[http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/2007/7/30/j-k-rowling-web-chat-transcript The Leaky Cauldron] -J.K.RowlingJuly30,2007Bloomsbury.comchat</ref>Thismeans that the peacockwasin fact a living creature. It is stated in ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'' that the creature was in factanalbinopeacock.

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*In the [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)|video game adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', the more moderate Expecto Patronum is a ball of light. In the console versions, it works as a guided-missile that can only be steered left or right, and accelerate. In the PC version, before cast, a white ring goes up Harry's arm and if it reaches top of the wand, Harry has to try the spell again, and it is used only to attack Dementors (it also produces lightning effects). At the climax of the game, a stag (Harry's Patronus) jumps out of the wand to drive away all the Dementors nearby attacking Harry and Sirius, and its during that battle in the console versions, Harry's Patronus changes into a stag with altered controls.

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*In the said video game, the [[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)|first video game adaption]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows]]'', and ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]/[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7|5-7]]'' the Patronus Charm appears to push the Dementors away with the first shot, and a second shot kills them.

*The lecture that Harry gives on Patronuses to [[Dumbledore's Army]] in the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|film version]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' is extremely similar to the lecture [[Remus Lupin]] gave him in the [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|film version]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''.

*The lecture that Harry gives on Patronuses to [[Dumbledore's Army]] in the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|film version]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'' is extremely similar to the lecture [[Remus Lupin]] gave him in the [[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)|film version]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]''.

*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'', [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s Patronus seems to emanate a shield that keeps the Dementors separated from everyone in the courtroom. In addition, Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus is described in the novel as taking the form of a lynx, however in the film it is depicted as a shimmering comet of light from which springs silvery images of witches and wizards screaming in terror as Kingsley's voice details the death of Scrimgeour and the fall of the Ministry.

*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'', [[Dolores Umbridge]]'s Patronus seems to emanate a shield that keeps the Dementors separated from everyone in the courtroom. In addition, Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus is described in the novel as taking the form of a lynx, however in the film it is depicted as a shimmering comet of light from which springs silvery images of witches and wizards screaming in terror as Kingsley's voice details the death of Scrimgeour and the fall of the Ministry.

*In ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]'', Voldemort, Lucius Malfoy, [[Walden Macnair]], [[Bartemius Crouch Jr|Barty Crouch Jr.]], and an unnamed Death Eater can all cast the spell, despite the fact that Rowling stated that no Death Eater besides Severus Snape could produce a Patronus.

*In ''[[LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4]]'', Voldemort, Lucius Malfoy, [[Walden Macnair]], [[Bartemius Crouch Jr|Barty Crouch Jr.]], and an unnamed Death Eater can all cast the spell, despite the fact that Rowling stated that no Death Eater besides Severus Snape could produce a Patronus.

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*According to [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]], it is possible that Patronuses vary in strength according to which animal's form they take.

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*According to [[Wizards' Ordinary Magic and Basic Aptitude Test|W.O.M.B.A.T.]], it is possible that Patronuses vary in strength according to which animal's form they take. Later canon from ''[[Wonderbook: Book of Spells]]'', however, stresses that this is not the case and that the form of the animal has no correlation to the strength of the Patronus (see, for instance, [[Illyius]] and [[Symposia Rawle]]).

*The [[Patronus spellbook]], owned by [[Remus Lupin]], includes information and instruction on the Patronus Charm.

*The [[Patronus spellbook]], owned by [[Remus Lupin]], includes information and instruction on the Patronus Charm.

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*In an interview, J. K. Rowling stated that the happy memory that would produce the strongest Patronus for her would be the births of any of her three children, though a close fourth would be when she learned that ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' was going to be published.<ref name="bluepeter">''Harry Potter: A Blue Peter Special'' interview, transcript available [http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0720-bluepeter.html here]</ref> She has also stated that she'd like for her patronus to be an otter, like Hermione's, but she has a feeling it might actually be a large dog.<ref name="bloomsbury" /> Additionally, in a 2000 interview, she stated that the Patronus charm was her favourite spell in the series so far.<ref name=AOLLive">[http://www.cesnur.org/2001/potter/march_03.htm AOL Live Interview - October 19, 2000]</ref>

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*In an interview, J. K. Rowling stated that the happy memory that would produce the strongest Patronus for her would be the births of any of her three children, though a close fourth would be when she learned that ''[[Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone]]'' was going to be published.<ref name="bluepeter">''Harry Potter: A Blue Peter Special'' interview, transcript available [http://www.accio-quote.org/articles/2007/0720-bluepeter.html here]</ref> She has also stated that she'd like for her Patronus to be an otter, like Hermione's, but she has a feeling it might actually be a large dog.<ref name="bloomsbury" /> However, in a message on [[Twitter]] in [[Between 2010 and 2017|2014]], she claimed it would be a [[Wikipedia:European pine marten|pine marten]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/jk_rowling/status/509799456494346240 Twitter account of J.K. Rowling]</ref> Additionally, in a 2000 interview, she stated that the Patronus Charm was her favourite spell in the series so far.<ref name=AOLLive">[http://www.cesnur.org/2001/potter/march_03.htm AOL Live Interview - October 19, 2000]</ref>

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*Although[[Lupin]]providesmostoftheinformationwithinthe books about the PatronusCharm, hisPatronusisneveridentified.

*LunaLovegood'share Patronus is possiblyareference to the {{wplink|moon rabbit}}, a figureinEastAsianmythology.

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*Learningtocast a Patronus is oneofthe tasks given to the player in the final Chapter of the game ''[[Wonderbook: Book of Spells]]''. For learning the incantation and gesture, the player is given the Trophy "Expecto Patronum!" On the next page, the player is given the chance to cast a true Patronus, the form of which is apparently chosen randomly. Amongst the possible Patronuses are a bat, a bull, a cat, a goat, a horse, a rabbit, a scorpionandasnake.<refname="wbtruepatronus">See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8enWNv52VtAthis YouTube video]'s comments</ref> For discovering their Patronus, the player is awarded the Trophy "True Patronus."

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*J.K Rowling has stated the only way that a Patronus is only able to change its current form is through eternal unchangable love.

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*Although J. K. Rowling has stated that the plural form is Patronusses and not Patroni, the German translation always translates it as Patroni.

===Patronuses in the films===

===Patronuses in the films===

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[[Video:Expecto Patronum 2|thumb|350px|right|Patronus being cast.]]

*In the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'', his Patronus physically attacks the Dementors by charging at them, as depicted in the books. Also, Patronuses produced by the members of Dumbledore's Army make noises and are capable of interacting with physical objects, such as Ron's dog Patronus knocking over [[Neville Longbottom]].

*In the [[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)|film adaptation]] of ''[[Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]]'', his Patronus physically attacks the Dementors by charging at them, as depicted in the books. Also, Patronuses produced by the members of Dumbledore's Army make noises and are capable of interacting with physical objects, such as Ron's dog Patronus knocking over [[Neville Longbottom]].

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*There was a noted change in appearance of Patronuses in general in the ''Order of the Phoenix'' movie. In movies 5-8, Patronuses very wispy and airy, while in the third film they looks more substantial, solid and brighter.

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*There was a noted change in appearance of Patronuses in general in the ''Order of the Phoenix'' movie. In movies 5-8, Patronuses very wispy and airy, while in the third film they look more substantial, solid and brighter.

*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'', during the [[infiltration of the Ministry of Magic]], Umbridge's Patronus was very clearly seen several times in the same scene and often looked less like a cat and more like a reanimated, feline corpse, with the skeletal features visible. This is odd for a Patronus (they usually look quite 'alive' and well) and its twisted form may be a nod to both Umbridge's nature and the circumstances under which it was cast.

*In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1]]'', during the [[infiltration of the Ministry of Magic]], Umbridge's Patronus was very clearly seen several times in the same scene and often looked less like a cat and more like a reanimated, feline corpse, with the skeletal features visible. This is odd for a Patronus (they usually look quite 'alive' and well) and its twisted form may be a nod to both Umbridge's nature and the circumstances under which it was cast.

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*In the film adaption of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', the Patronus in its powerful wave-like form emits a deep reverberating sound. In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]'' this effect was also used when [[Aberforth Dumbledore]] protected Hogwarts from Dementors.

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*In the film adaptation of ''[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]'', the Patronus in its powerful wave-like form emits a deep reverberating sound. In ''[[Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2]]'' this effect was also used when [[Aberforth Dumbledore]] protected Hogwarts from Dementors.

Latest revision as of 16:21, July 18, 2015

"This ancient and mysterious charm conjures a magical guardian, a projection of all your most positive feelings. The Patronus Charm is difficult, and many witches and wizards are unable to produce a full, corporeal Patronus, a guardian which generally takes the shape of the animal with whom they share the deepest affinity. You may suspect, but you will never truly know what form your Patronus will take until you succeed in conjuring it."

The Patronus Charm (Expecto Patronum) is the most famous and one of the most powerful defensive charms known to wizardkind.[4] It's an immensely complicated, very difficult spell that evokes a partially-tangible positive energy force known as a Patronus (pl. Patronuses[5]) or spirit guardian.[3] It is the primary protection against Dementors and Lethifolds, to which there is no other protection.

Contents

It is evident from old woodcuts and scrolls that the Patronus Charm has been used since ancient times.[6] Therefore, it is unknown who created it, or when it was first invented.[6] The charm also has a long association with those fighting for lofty or noble causes (those able to produce corporeal Patronuses were often elected to high office within the Wizengamot and Ministry of Magic).[4]

Harry Potter took anti-dementor lessons in order to learn the advanced charm. During a Quidditch match against Ravenclaw in 1994 he cast his very first corporal Patronus and again in June when he along with Hermione Granger and Sirius Black were being attacked by over a hundred Dementors, he cast a corporal Patronus powerful enough to drive them all away.

In 1995, Harry cast the charm against a boggart in the third task of the Triwizard Tournament. The following summer he came under attack by two dementors and managed to drive them away with the charm, leading to him being put on trial for underage magic in an attempt to discredit him.

Harry also taught the members of the D.A. the charm and some were even successful in casting it.

The charm was used frequently to ward off dementors such as when the Trio escaped from the Ministry of Magic after obtaining the Horcrux locket and during the Battle of Hogwarts. Severus Snape also conjured a Patronus to guide Harry to the hiding place of the Sword of Gryffindor.

The vast majority of witches and wizards are unable to produce any form of Patronus, and to create even an intangible one is generally considered a mark of superior magical ability.[4]

To successfully cast the spell, one must muster the happiest memory they can think of (the happier the memory, the better the charm will work)[1] and begin drawing circles with their wand so as to increase the power of their spell.[6] They must then say the incantation, Expecto Patronum; the Patronus will come from the tip of the wand and can be directed towards a target by pointing one's wand at said target.[7] It is possible to disguise the form one's Patronus takes, which was done both by Severus Snape to hide his love for Lily Evans, and by Remus Lupin, who felt it would give away his condition.[4]

The Patronus Charm is widely regarded as advanced magic, far beyond N.E.W.T.-level, in 1994 Remus Lupin stated that the charm was, in fact "ridiculously advanced".[1] It is very complex and many qualified wizards and witches have trouble with it.[4] In fact, Harry Potter is one of the youngest known wizards able to cast a Patronus; he was taught how to do so in early 1994 at the age of thirteen by Remus Lupin.[8] In a Dumbledore's Army lesson, Harry taught the members how to use the charm. Some were even successful in casting a corporeal form, though Harry said this might be because there was no Dementor to make them frightened.[9] However, three members were later able to cast corporeal Patronuses in the presence of Dementors.[10]

Amelia Bones and potential members of the D.A. were all very impressed when Harry Potter revealed that he could cast not only a Patronus Charm but a corporeal one to boot, which is notably more difficult than casting an incorporeal one. Given that the success of the charm is directly reliant on the caster retaining a particular mental state the Charm is more difficult to cast in emotionally trying circumstances. For instance, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger all had difficulty casting their Patronuses when under the negative influence of Salazar Slytherin's Locket, one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes, and after witnessing the death of Fred Weasley in final battle.[10] This feature of the Charm is particularly unfortunate since the Charm's primary use is to defend against Dementors, Dark creatures specifically equipped to mentally unhinge people (and hence is partly why it is regarded as such advanced, difficult magic).

Self-confidence may also play an important role in casting the spell. In 1994 Harry is able to cast the spell successfully, driving off a large number of Dementors (which according to Severus Snape is only achievable by a very powerful wizard) thus saving Sirius and a younger version of himself, seemingly without recalling a happy memory, when he realises that he has already done it. Although Harry could have had a 'happy memory' upon realising that he had saved all three of their lives.

It is a general belief held by the wizarding world that only those who are pure of heart are able to cast Patronuses; this, however, is a falsehood, as several characters with negative personality traits e.g. violent tempered, haughty etc are able to cast a fully-fledged Patronus.[4] Although generally Dark witches and wizards will not try to produce a Patronus, not having any need for one, most Dark wizards will be devoured by maggots coming from their wand and consuming the caster.[6]

For this reason, Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters were not able to cast a Patronus Charm (not that it was necessary, as they already had the dark creatures under their control via their affinity to darkness, and would have no use for Patronuses).[11] However, some witches and wizards of questionable morals, such as Dolores Umbridge, are able to produce corporeal Patronuses, Umbridge doing so despite the fact that she was considered an evil person; her wearing of Salazar Slytherin's Locket, which was one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, was what enhanced her strength due to her evil affinity.[4] She was able to produce a corporeal Patronus due to the enhanced strength. Conversely, Draco Malfoy was unable to cast one despite his waning evil. Severus Snape is the only Death Eater capable of casting the charm, as his love for Lily Evans was his one redeeming point.

An incorporeal Patronus[12] is one which does not resemble any living creature and has few distinguishing features (if any). Incorporeal Patronuses resemble a burst of vapour or smoke without any clearly defined form shooting from the tip of the wand. While they may be partially effective at halting dementors (but not repelling them), incorporeal Patronuses are not "fully-fledged" Patronuses, and are regarded as a more primitive or weaker version of the true Charm.

Harry Potter casting a corporeal Patronus (form of stag) fending off hundreds of Dementors in 1994

A corporeal Patronus is one that is fully-formed, taking the shape of bright-white, translucent animal. The specific animal forms that corporeal Patronuses take vary from person to person and reflect each individual's personality.

Patronus forms, however, are subject to change if the caster goes through an emotional upheaval of some sort, including falling in eternal, unchanging love.[13] For example, Nymphadora Tonks's Patronus changed from its previous form to that of a four-legged creature which others guessed was a werewolf because then it would reflect her love of Remus Lupin, himself a werewolf.[9] Another example is Severus Snape, whose Patronus was that of a doe, the same as Lily Evans, though this may have been the case all along rather than a change from its original form, as Snape was in love with Lily for most of his life. Based on the fact that Patronuses are conjured by recalling happy memories, it stands to reason that a Patronus might change its form after one falls in love and the memories used to conjure the Patronus largely revolve around the person the caster is in love with. In addition, it seems that some couples have "complementary" Patronuses (male and female forms of the same animal), such as Lily and James Potter. It is, however, unknown if this is a coincidence or not. If a wizard is an Animagus and can summon a corporeal Patronus, the two may take the same form, as was the case for Minerva McGonagall and James Potter.[10]

Most Patronuses take the form of an ordinary animal. Magical creatures, such as Albus Dumbledore's phoenix Patronus, are uncommon. It is extremely rare for Patronuses to take the form of extinct animals.[6]Hedley Fleetwood's woolly mammoth Patronus is a notable exception.[6]Andros the Invincible was the only wizard capable of casting a Patronus the size of a giant.

The corporeal Patronus is also better at repelling Dementors than the non-corporeal form.

There are two known uses for the Patronus Charm. The first and main use of the Patronus is to drive off certain Dark creatures such as Dementors and Lethifolds, and is the only known charm that will work against them. As Dementors feed on happy memories to render humans to drown in sorrow and sadness, the Patronus acts as a shield of sorts, of which the Dementor would try to feed off of instead — the Patronus is comprised exclusively of positive feelings and cannot comprehend negative emotion, so the Dementor's influence cannot harm it.

Harry casting a Patronus during the Hunt for Horcruxes.

The other use was devised by Albus Dumbledore, who invented a way of using the Patronus (corporeal and non) as a means of communication. They can deliver messages, speaking with the voice of the caster. This source of communication is believed to be exclusive to the members of the Order of the Phoenix. Using the Patronus for communication offers great advantages in security, as Patronuses identify the caster and are Dark Arts-proof.[9] A good example of this was when Minerva McGonagall used her feline Patronus to call for help to the other heads of houses in 1998 when she found out Harry Potter had returned to Hogwarts in search of Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem. Multiple Patronuses can be cast for communication, as McGonagall was able to create three. Another is when Severus Snape used his Patronus to lead Harry Potter to a pool in the Forest of Dean in 1997, where he had laid Godric Gryffindor's Sword for Harry to retrieve.

"A Patronus is a kind of positive force, and for the wizard who can conjure one, it works something like a shield, with the Dementor feeding on it, rather than him. In order for it to work, you need to think of a memory. Not just any memory, a very happy memory, a very powerful memory… Allow it to fill you up... lose yourself in it... then speak the incantation " Expecto Patronum"

Initially, Illyius's fellow villagers mocked him as they had never seen such a small and weak-looking Patronus, which corresponded to Illyius's timidity and tongue-tiedness. However, when dark wizard Raczidian invaded the village with his army of Dementors, Illyius's mouse Patronus proved to be stronger than the others, making him a hero.

The bird whose loyalty he earned, Fawkes, was a phoenix. Also he used it in 1995 as a message to Hagrid when Krum was stunned. It was described as "a ghostly bird that flew off in the direction of Hagrid's house".

The form of Tonks' Patronus changed in 1996. It became a wolf due to her love for Remus Lupin, though Harry Potter and Hermione Granger initially believed it was a black dog, triggered by the death of her second cousin Sirius Black (whose Animagus form was a black dog). Changes of Patronus are rare and usually caused by devastating life traumas. Occasionally when a witch and a wizard are married, their Patronuses will match each other (most likely because the witch/wizard's happy thought will be that of their spouse).

While interrogating Muggle-borns at a trial, she had cast a Patronus to ward the Dementors from the prosecutors. Her favourite animal, as shown by the many plates with cats on them in her office. She was able to cast the Patronus due to her affinity with the locketHorcrux's evil influence.

Patronus means "protector", "guardian", or simply "patron" in Latin, specifically reflecting the entire role that the Patronus Charm plays. In archaic Latin, it meant "father", which is very interesting, considering that Harry Potter's Patronus is the same as his father's Patronus and Animagus form, a stag. The Latin word exspecto or expecto means "I look out for" or "I wait for", thus the charm's incantation roughly translates into "I await a protector."

Two Patronuses planned for the films but ultimately cut include a Thestral and a chimpanzee[18]

The Patronuses of James Potter and Minerva McGonagall match their respective Animagi form. These are the only characters whose Patronus and Animagus forms are known. It is uncertain whether all Patronuses will match the form of the Animagus, but so far, an instance of differing forms has not been revealed.

In the video game adaptation of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the more moderate Expecto Patronum is a ball of light. In the console versions, it works as a guided-missile that can only be steered left or right, and accelerate. In the PC version, before cast, a white ring goes up Harry's arm and if it reaches top of the wand, Harry has to try the spell again, and it is used only to attack Dementors (it also produces lightning effects). At the climax of the game, a stag (Harry's Patronus) jumps out of the wand to drive away all the Dementors nearby attacking Harry and Sirius, and its during that battle in the console versions, Harry's Patronus changes into a stag with altered controls.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Dolores Umbridge's Patronus seems to emanate a shield that keeps the Dementors separated from everyone in the courtroom. In addition, Kingsley Shacklebolt's Patronus is described in the novel as taking the form of a lynx, however in the film it is depicted as a shimmering comet of light from which springs silvery images of witches and wizards screaming in terror as Kingsley's voice details the death of Scrimgeour and the fall of the Ministry.

According to W.O.M.B.A.T., it is possible that Patronuses vary in strength according to which animal's form they take. Later canon from Wonderbook: Book of Spells, however, stresses that this is not the case and that the form of the animal has no correlation to the strength of the Patronus (see, for instance, Illyius and Symposia Rawle).

In an interview, J. K. Rowling stated that the happy memory that would produce the strongest Patronus for her would be the births of any of her three children, though a close fourth would be when she learned that Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was going to be published.[20] She has also stated that she'd like for her Patronus to be an otter, like Hermione's, but she has a feeling it might actually be a large dog.[19] However, in a message on Twitter in 2014, she claimed it would be a pine marten.[21] Additionally, in a 2000 interview, she stated that the Patronus Charm was her favourite spell in the series so far.[22]

Luna Lovegood's hare Patronus is possibly a reference to the moon rabbit, a figure in East Asian mythology.

Learning to cast a Patronus is one of the tasks given to the player in the final Chapter of the game Wonderbook: Book of Spells. For learning the incantation and gesture, the player is given the Trophy "Expecto Patronum!" On the next page, the player is given the chance to cast a true Patronus, the form of which is apparently chosen randomly. Amongst the possible Patronuses are a bat, a bull, a cat, a goat, a horse, a rabbit, a scorpion and a snake.[23] For discovering their Patronus, the player is awarded the Trophy "True Patronus."

J.K Rowling has stated the only way that a Patronus is only able to change its current form is through eternal unchangable love.

Although J. K. Rowling has stated that the plural form is Patronusses and not Patroni, the German translation always translates it as Patroni.

There was a noted change in appearance of Patronuses in general in the Order of the Phoenix movie. In movies 5-8, Patronuses very wispy and airy, while in the third film they look more substantial, solid and brighter.

In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, during the infiltration of the Ministry of Magic, Umbridge's Patronus was very clearly seen several times in the same scene and often looked less like a cat and more like a reanimated, feline corpse, with the skeletal features visible. This is odd for a Patronus (they usually look quite 'alive' and well) and its twisted form may be a nod to both Umbridge's nature and the circumstances under which it was cast.